How much does a custom web app cost in Australia?
At Studio 17 Designs, AUD $3,000 to $8,000 as a flat fee depending on scope, then AUD $150 to $300 per month for hosting, monitoring, security updates, and small changes.
Custom web app vs off-the-shelf software
Off-the-shelf software costs AUD $30 to $150 per user per month and works well when your process matches the vendor's. A custom web app from Studio 17 Designs costs a flat AUD $3,000 to $8,000 to build plus AUD $150 to $300 per month to run, and is built around how your business actually works. For a team of five, the two options cost about the same over three years.
Side by side
| Criterion | Custom app | Off-the-shelf |
|---|---|---|
| Up-front cost | AUD $3,000–$8,000 flat | Usually nil |
| Ongoing cost | AUD $150–$300/month, any number of users | AUD $30–$150 per user per month |
| Fit to your process | Exact | Partial; you adapt to the tool |
| Integrations | Built to your tools (Xero, MYOB, Cliniko, Square) | Whatever the vendor supports |
| Time to live | 2–6 weeks | Same day |
| Ownership of data and code | Yours | Data exportable; code never |
| Best for | A process that is specific to you and used daily | Standard needs: email, accounting, payroll |
Our verdict
Keep off-the-shelf tools for standard jobs. Build custom when the workflow is the thing that makes your business different, when you are paying for several tools glued together with spreadsheets, or when per-seat pricing is scaling faster than revenue.
If a subscription tool genuinely fits, we will say so on the first call rather than sell you a build.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if I stop paying the monthly fee?
You receive a full handover of the source code, database, and infrastructure and can host it yourself or with another developer.
Which industries do you build custom apps for?
Trades and home services, healthcare and allied health, professional services, and hospitality and retail. Each has a dedicated page describing typical builds and integrations.
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